Overview & Reviews

Originally known as Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Svenska Aircraft Company), Saab is a Swedish company that began manufacturing automobiles in 1949. The company's early designs placed an emphasis on aerodynamics that is reflective of its history as an aircraft manufacturer.

The first production Saab, the 92, boasted a lower coefficient of drag than many modern cars. The 93, unveiled in 1955, was powered by a three-cylinder, 33-horsepower engine, and featured the distinctive fastback profile that made early Saabs among the most recognizable cars on the road. By the time the '50s drew to a close, Saab's lineup had grown to include the 95 wagon (capable of seating up to seven) and the 93 750 Gran Turismo, the automaker's first series-built sports car.

The marque started the '60s with the introduction of its successful Saab 96. With a production run of 20 years, this was the car that made Saab a recognized presence in the international market. The decade also saw the launch of the Saab Sport coupe. Scoring numerous wins on the rally circuit, the coupe marked Saab as a force to be reckoned with. The Sport's success on the track inspired a name change; it later came to be known as the Saab Monte Carlo 850. The Saab Sonett II sports car, with its body of fiberglass-reinforced plastic, also made its debut during the '60s, as did the Saab 99, which was the first Saab to feature the manufacturer's trademark wraparound windshield.

In 1973, Saab gave birth to the 99 Combi Coupe. The car came to define the Saab brand; with its hatchback and fold-down rear seat it offered remarkable utility. By the end of the decade, Saab had rolled out the 99 Turbo, which was a forerunner in harnessing turbo technology for use in production cars. The company also introduced the Saab 900, which held the distinction of being the first car to offer a cabin air filter.

During the 1980s, Saab cars (especially the Turbo models) gained American popularity as young urban professionals (yuppies) sought them out. The decade saw the launch of the 900 Turbo, the 900 Turbo Aero (the world's first car to offer a 16-valve turbo engine), the 900 convertible and the Saab 9000, a larger four-door car available in hatchback, and later on, sedan body styles.

In 1990, General Motors bought half of Saab's automotive division. The decade saw the launch of a revamped 900; the car offered a bevy of cutting-edge safety features, including three rear three-point seatbelts and rear side-impact protection. By the time the '90s drew to a close, Saab had also unveiled the 9-5, a larger, premium four-door sedan that essentially replaced the 9000. The 9-5 offered a host of new technologies such as ventilated seats. It was also the first to offer Saab's active head restraints, a system designed to prevent whiplash injuries.

By the 2000s, General Motors had bought the other half of Saab Automobile. Despite the brand's position on the leading edge of safety technology, Saab's popularity in the U.S. and around the world waned as its product portfolio grew increasingly stale and reliant on GM for parts, platforms and design. New models like the 9-2X and the 9-7X were based on platforms borrowed from other brands -- Subaru and Chevrolet, respectively. Meanwhile, the 9-5 soldiered on and the second-generation 9-3 ditched its quirky hatchback body style in favor of a mainstream sedan design. The hope was to make the 9-3 more appealing to American car buyers, but ultimately it only served to remove the car's unique personality.

In the midst of General Motors' financial difficulties and eventual bankruptcy, Saab was viewed as a disposable, troubled asset and essentially cast away. With the financial assistance of a European bank and the Swedish government, Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg intended to purchase Saab with the promise of restructuring the brand and keeping production within Sweden. That deal fell through when Koenigsegg changed its mind about becoming involved with such a troubled company. Another niche-market supercar company, Spyker Cars, pursued the purchase of Saab. But that venture eventually failed as well and ultimately, at the end of 2011, Saab went into "wind-down" mode, filing for bankruptcy. In other words, Saab's future is still very much in limbo.

User Reviews:

• 

  New Saab owner - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By Chicago 9-7 - April 19 - 4:16 am

  I looked the the GMC Envoy Denalli and SLT with the 4.2. In the Envoy there was a huge difference between the Denalli and the SLT with the 4.2. The 9-7x falls right in between as far a comfort and ride. You get much more luxury with the 9-7 than with the Envoy SLT. The 9-7s ride and handling with the lower profile and larger wheels makes a dramatic difference. Unless you actually want to drive somewhere off road, I would choose the 9-7 vs its GM brothers. The downside is the quality and fit and finish are still GM. Youre not buying a lexus.

• 

  my headache... - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By antonio787 - April 16 - 10:39 am

  After three months of use my car started with a noise in the front suspension upon riding over street bumps. I made an appointment and my car was taken for service and repair March 22, 2010. Mileage: 4849. The car was ready the same day. First maintenance done. After a few months the noise in the front suspension started again. Also a new noise started at the drivers seat. I made another appointment. On June 7, 2010 the car was taken for repair again. Mileage: 8644. The car was seven days at the shop. out of shop June 14, 2010. The noise persisted at the suspension and this time was stronger. I took the car the 8th of July, 2010 for evaluation and a loosen knob at the bushing was found and fixed the same day. On September 20th, 2010 my battery died and they changed same day for a new one. Same day service. Mileage: 13344. This same day the car was re-evaluated by the mechanics because the noise in the front suspension and in the drivers seat decreased but were still present. Another appointment was done and the parts were ordered. Appointment was done for the first day of November, 2010. My car was at the shop until November 4th and the parts were never available, so they did not fixed the car. Only thing done was the maintenance check up. Mileage: 14969. Appointment follow up for parts previously ordered was given for November 15, 2010. I picked up the car Friday 19th of November. Still the car was with the same noise in the front suspension and at the drivers seat. On Monday 22 of November another visit to the shop was done. In view that this was a short week (due to Thanksgiving holiday) they gave me another appointment for service for the 29th of November. The service light was not reset and it was ON at all times. The 29th of November my car went again for service for another week. Mileage: 15799. When I picked up my car Friday 3 of December the car was still with the same or worst noise in the front suspension and at the drivers seat. Total of visits for the same problems: 6 Total of days in shop for repairs and evaluation: 20 days Problems unresolved: Front suspension noise and drivers seat noise I use my car on daily basis for work. For me is important to have a save car. This noises are obnoxious and persistent. Every time the car is in the shop they change a different part of the front suspension as if they were guessing what the car problem is. The front seat cushion has been replaced twice. The truth is that they have never fixed any of these two noises.

• 

  My Feeling Are HURT - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Rivets - April 14 - 2:33 pm

  I once loved this car. I traded my 1999 9-5 Linear with 110k mi for this AERO. The Linear was much better. The only leg up this car has is the acceleration and body cladding. In one year, I have replaced the engine, replaced the head gasket for the replacement engine, fuel pump, injectors, turbo, DI cassette, SID display, tabs that keep the windows from rattling, an electrical junction box, and I paid for emission hose updates (not covered by warranty), and yesterday a pully broke leaving me stranded. The car has only 71k miles, and Ive owned it for only a year. This is my 3rd and worst SAAB. This car was built for the service bay and not the road. My love affair with SAABs is over.

• 

  More good than bad - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Brian - April 12 - 5:00 pm

  Awesome car. After a few trips to the dealer for some very minor things, the Saab is great. My service is awesome. Driving the Saab is a great experiance. It is a highway car though. Sways in tight turns. But on the highway look out. Nothing but pure power.

• 

  Nice ride - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By Ron L - April 3 - 4:00 pm

  Nice ride, fine fuel economy for a car with this power and room inside. Great car for a sales person who is in the car all day. I am loving this car! I live in Canada and run with 4 snows in winter and the car is safe and sound in ice and snow. ABS, ESP make for a nice combo on the ice covered roads.

• 

  Awesome car after depreciation - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By rb676 - April 3 - 5:00 am

  I bought one two years ago with 91k miles. I have put on a little over 30k. I paid $7k and had to spend about $900 after the first month (all new belts). Its been great ever since. The headlamps burn out a little too frequently and my Theft Alarm has an annoying error. But thats fine, the harmon-kardon stereo is fantastic, the seats are as comfortable as can be, and the car just feels very smart and Scandanavian. I have one of the last Saab-Scanias. Hey... dont buy new! What can I say?

• 

  Wasnt impressed at all - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Steve - April 2 - 8:00 am

  I have been back to the dealership 8 times in the last 3 months. Here is a list of problems: 1. security lock system failure 2. electronic stability control failure 3. turbo failed at 37k miles 4. outside temperature sensor broke 5. Needed to add oil in between oil change 6. loud clicking sound when making sharp turns.

• 

  Easy on the Plastic - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By disappointed - April 2 - 7:03 am

  Overall, this car is a fantastic value - great styling, fun to drive, very safe, nice handling, surprising power. I get compliments constantly about how great the car looks. However, I am very disappointed with the interior build quality. Can a car have any more plastic than this one? The arm rest on the door, the steering wheel, underneath the steering column, the gear shift, you name it. Because of all the plastic, there is a lot of rattling noise.

• 

  Saab 9-2x Aero - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By Teresa - March 31 - 10:03 am

  I enjoy my Saab. It is a roomy car for my active life style. I can easily fit my bike in the back or on top with the racks. It is very reliable and a fun to drive car.

• 

  Excellent small wagon - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By nigel - March 28 - 11:30 am

  Acquired a 9-2X Linear with cold weather package & moon roof for the same price as a Subaru Impresza OB SE (GM empoyee discount). Excellent handling, with a firm but not harsh ride; nice 2-tone interior and very supportive seats; lots of trunk room and great fuel economy (~29MPG)